AFAS Artist Jay Koka to Unveil New Style at Pebble Beach

Written by Auction News

Pebble Beach, CA, June 20, 2008 – Jay Koka, a member of the renowned Automotive Fine Arts Society, will demonstrate once again his ability to master multiple painting styles when he unveils four new pieces during the 23rd annual AFAS art show at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 17, 2008. Koka’s feature painting, “City,” will join “Drift 2,” “Lussori 2” and “Luxe,” as well as other AFAS pieces during the exhibit, which is sponsored by the Lincoln Division of Ford Motor Company. The AFAS is comprised of automotive artists from across the globe who create subjects in a variety of mediums including watercolors, acrylics, oils, wood and various metals.

“I’m excited to introduce these new paintings at Pebble Beach, as they represent my latest style explorations,” said Koka. “Over time, my style has become more relaxed and free. I continue to work in new areas and have never become complacent with my approach. That mindset keeps me fresh and interested in my work and allows me flexibility when staring at a blank canvas.”

The highlight of Koka’s Pebble Beach display will be “City,” a 48” x 16” acrylic on canvas. The electric painting focuses on a classic red Ferrari 250GTO in a downtown setting. Koka’s mixture of the sunlight and the thick, dark lines of the skyscrapers create a wistful feeling throughout the piece.

“I’ve been doing a lot of highly realistic work lately, so it was time to create something a little looser and more visually exciting,” explained Koka. “Although ‘City’ is loosely based on New York’s Times Square, it’s meant to represent a busy intersection in any major city. I’m on the verge of announcing a limited edition project that will feature the painting, which will expose my art to an even broader audience.”

Joining “City” on the fairway in Pebble Beach will be “Drift 2,” a 48” x 16” acrylic on canvas painting that illustrates a stunning Porsche Carrera GT at speed on a coastal road. Koka’s swift, light brush strokes create a beautiful contrast between the serene beachfront and the powerful German super car. The panoramic nature of the painting adds to the piece’s overwhelming sense of velocity.

“My first ‘Drift’ painting, which was very well received, was a tightly rendered, relatively small gouache painting of a Jaguar XKD. Seven years later, ‘Drift 2’ is a larger, edgier illustration that truly represents a significant departure in painting style.”

Throughout his career, Koka has made no secret of his affection for the vibrant Lamborghini Gallardo, which he has included in numerous works. In “Lussori 2,” Koka places a bright yellow Gallardo in front of the Lussori jewelry store on Ocean Avenue in Carmel, Calif. The luxury jeweler is a hot-spot for Concours visitors, celebrities and exotic sports cars.

“The star of ‘Lussori 2’ is the Gallardo, a car that I love to feature in my work,” added Koka. “If you’re a fan of exotics, there are plenty to enjoy every year during the Concours weekend outside the Lussori shop.”

Koka will also unveil “Luxe” in Pebble Beach. Similar in feel to “Lussori 2,” this 48” x 36” acrylic on canvas features a Ferrari 599GTB Fiorano parked next to the Tiffany & Co. jewelry store in Carmel.

Koka was born in Budapest, Hungary, and immigrated to Canada in 1956, where he attended school and had a successful marketing career. In 1985, he opened a studio near Toronto. His work ranges from high realism to impressionism, as he constantly challenges and evolves his style.

Koka has been the featured artist and poster artist for many international automotive events, including poster artist for the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours. He accepts a small number of private and corporate commissions for original art each year. He is a longtime AFAS member and serves on theBoard of Directors. His work has been extensively reproduced and he has received numerous awards, including multiple “Athenas” and the Lincoln Award at the Pebble Beach Concours and Awards of Excellence and The Stanley Wanlass Award at the Meadow Brook Concours.

For 2008, Koka has been commissioned for the seventh time to produce the poster art for the Ferrari Club of America’s International Meet in July. He has also been commissioned to produce the inaugural poster art for the Louisville Concours d’Elegance to be held at Churchill Downs in October.

About the Automotive Fine Arts SocietyCelebrating its 25th year of existence, the AFAS includes some of the most prestigious talents in fine art. Members work in many diverse mediums including oil, watercolors, acrylics, wood, gouache, pen & ink, clay and metal. AFAS participates in select shows across the country including the Pebble Beach Concours d´Elegance and the Amelia Island Concours d´Elegance. Information about AFAS is available at www.autoartgallery.com or by contacting Luke DeRouen at (214) 520-3430 or lderouen@tprm-usa.com.